Walk or cycle around Chateauneuf-du-pape
Chateauneuf du Pape is located in the Vaucluse region, in Provence, halfway between Orange and Avignon. It was during the XIV century that the popes settled in Avignon and it was John XXII who developed the idea of vineyards and built the castle at the very top of Chateauneuf, the ruins of which are definitely worth a visit today.
The wines
The secret of the excellent Chateauneuf du Pape wine comes from the red clay soil combining a mixture of limestone, deposits of sediments from the Rhône river and pebbles from the Alps which all allow the grapes to mature for many years. Chateauneuf enjoys a favourable Mediterranean climate, although climate change over the years has seen temperatures rise significantly. So much so in fact that the grape picking season has come forward by one whole month over the last 50 years.
What to do and see in the village?
Your Provence walking trip will take you through the beautiful village to admire the Chateau des Papes, the Saint Teodorit chapel & the Bienheureux Pierre de Luxemburg chapel. Lose yourself in the maze of small cobbled streets dotted with fountains, check out the small cafés and shops and the local market on a Friday. It goes without saying that a trip to a local winery for some wine tasting of this incredible red wine is an absolute must!
Veraison
Another must see is the Veraison festival at the beginning of August. For 35 years, this festival has turned the streets of Chateauneuf du Pape into a medieval village! Noble knights, fine ladies, young ministrels, jugglers and more line the street for 3 days of shows and fun for adults and children alike.
Wineries
Above all, this infamous wine making village is a wonderful maze of vineyards, stretching as far as the eye can see. Today, Chateauneuf is home to around 300 wine growers with over 3 300 hectares of vines. We offer many different walking and cycling tours to enable you to discover, admire & taste the world-renowned red wine. Walk or cycle your way from one domain to the next, picnic in some of the most picturesque spots in the area and enjoy the fine wine and great food on offer.
